The Coffea arabica coffee plant varietal Geisha (Coffea arabica var. geisha) has won numerous coffee tasting awards in recent years, creating a high demand for the coffee at auctions.
Panama Geisha Coffee Growing Region
Panama Geisha is grown in the highlands of the Boquete region in the Chiriqui Province of western Panama. The particular coffee that won these awards was Esmerelda Special grown by the farm Hacienda La Esmerelda where elevations are from 1,450 to 1,700 meters above sea level (qualifying as Strictly Hard Bean (SHB)) on the slopes of Volcan Baru.
Panama Geisha Coffee Review
Geisha coffee plants are known for their distinguishing characteristics - elongated fruits, or coffee cherry, and its light body with honey and citrus flavors that provide an outstanding taste profile and cup character.
Geisha coffee exhibits a subdued yet intense floral and jasmine-like aroma and a distinct though delicate acidity, balanced and bright with shimmers of white wine and notes of berries, mango, papaya, and mandarin oranges. The long aftertaste/finish provides distinct bergamot-like notes.
Origins of the Geisha Coffee Plant
The Geisha varietal was first discovered in Abyssinia in southwest Ethiopia in 1931, and was first brought to Panama from Costa Rica in 1963.
Due to the recent success of Geisha in Panama, many coffee farmers in Central America are now planting the Geisha varietal. Also see Panama Coffee.
Panama Geisha Coffee Brewing Tips
For tips on brewing the perfect cup of Panama Geisha coffee see our section on coffee brewing. Geisha coffees demand the utmost care when brewing - not only are they some of the higher priced coffees on the market, but they have so much to offer that time should be taken to brew properly and enjoy.
We also provide detailed coffee flavor profiles of gourmet coffee and instructions on preparing Espresso Drink Recipes.
For espresso brewing tips see Pulling A Perfect Espresso Shot as well as How to make Lattes and Cappuccinos.
For detailed definitions of coffee terminology see the Coffee and Espresso Glossary. Also check out the World's Best History of Coffee.
Alban says
"On the slopes of Mt. Maru." Please fix. It is Volcan Baru. Thank you for the article.
Arturo Aguirre says
interesante artìculo felicitaciones, agradecerìa a ustedes se sirvan enviarme informacion genealogica o sea la ascendencia de este cafe geisha, es un arabico o a que grupo pertenece.
james zamora says
HI , Can we buy planting materials for coffee geisha? How much? I am very interested as we are planning to put up our tissue laboratory. Thank you.
Edwin G. Fehrenbach says
Hi, I'm a small coffee farmer in Palmira Arriba in Boquete at an elevation from about 3,900 to 4,200 ft. I believe the above mentioned elevation of Hacienda La Esmerelda should be in meters. 1450 to 1700 feet is the elevation about half way down to the city of David. I'm enjoying your sight and finding lots of good and interesting inforation.